The Faded Mirror

Yesterday, the Baltimore Sun ran an interesting article about the dangers of artificial colors in food products.  Of course, this article comes only about 34 years too late, but better late than never, I guess.  The article details the pressure the FDA is coming under to review its stance on the safety of chemical food dyes in light of recent statement by its British counterpart.   However, the FDA refuses to cave.

This should come as no surprise, considering the way the FDA operates.   Far be it for them to bite the hand that feeds them.  In the meantime, manufacturers continue to pour more and more artificial colors into their products.  And I’m pretty sure that they know exactly what these chemicals do.  Why else would Gatorade come in such garish colors?  What really irks me is that companies like Kraft, Mars, and Cadbury will voluntarily change their recipes in the UK, but leave them unchanged in the American markets.

My family has been on the Feingold Diet for a number of years now, originally to help with some of our youngsters’ behavioral problems.  But, I think it has helped with a broad range of issues, from general health to fertility (where did you think all the small lookalikes came from?)  Our kids rarely get sick, and usually is it nowhere as severe as what is making the rounds. 

Any chemist will tell you that any chemical compound can be dangerous if ingested.  When asked about the safety of a particular compound, my chemistry professor would always tell us, “Well, it won’t kill you right away.”  The problem seems to be that if a chemical doesn’t make you sick, then the FDA concludes that it must be safe.  And everyone believes the FDA — after all, they wear white lab coats.

Addendum:  The following was forwarded to me by my lovely wife, who belongs to a number of groups providing information on the topic.  Please take a moment to write to the address below — you may help change food history!

Meanwhile, McDonald’s has been in touch with the CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) and has told them that they really aren’t sure that Americans are concerned about the fact that their food contains synthetic dyes.  McDonald’s has asked their nutrition & labeling manager, Julia Braun, to gather information on whether or not consumers have any interest in this area.

Julia says that McDonald’s rarely does anything unless they can document a consumer demand, so she has invited parents to write to her and share their feelings about food dyes, and she has provided information below on how to reach her. 

Her contact info:2111 McDonald’s Drive
    Oak Brook, IL  60523

    Email:  julia.braun@us.mcd.com 

    Julia Braun, MPH, RD
    Nutrition & Labeling Manager